MLB Free Agency: Possible landing spots for Greg Holland

St. Louis Cardinals

For the first time since the 2007 and 2008 seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Finishing with a record of 83-79, they finished third in the NL Central.

While the Cardinals look to make a push back into the playoffs in 2018, they need an upgrade at the closer’s role.

Last season, the Cardinals opening day closer was Seung-hwan Oh. He earned the role after a solid 2016 rookie season that saw him post a 1.92 ERA, 103 strikeouts and 19 saves in 23 attempts. But inconsistency that included an ERA of 4.10 cost him the closer’s job.

By the end of 2017, the Cardinals had eight different relievers convert a save. The top three saves leaders for the Cardinals (Oh-20, Trevor Rosenthal-13, and Juan Nicasio-6) hit free agency this offseason.

There’s no question that the Cardinals need more bullpen help if they want to compete with the Cubs in 2018. Earlier in the offseason, they signed reliever Luke Gregerson to a two-year, $11 million deal that included a team option for the 2020 season.

John Mozeliak, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations, said that if the season started today, Gregerson would be the closer, according to Dan Buffa, a St. Louis sports reporter.

In 2017 for the Houston Astros, Gregerson posted a 4.57 ERA and converted just one save with three blown saves. Those stats don’t scream closer. However, if the Cardinals go out and sign Holland, Gregerson could fit in well as a setup man.

After losing four relievers to free agency, the Cardinals need more bullpen help. Picking up Greg Holland would not only solidify the closer’s role but also add bullpen depth altogether.

With baseball adapting to more of a bullpen style game, having a lot of depth in the bullpen is vital, and having a good closer is almost a necessity.